Registered Respiratory Therapist Lead - Respiratory Therapy

Christus Health

Summary:

Provides respiratory care procedures under medical direction specifically focused on the assessment, treatment, management, control, diagnostic evaluation, education, and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system as well as on the prevention of the development of these deficiencies. Therapy includes but is not limited to application and monitoring of medical gases (excluding anesthetic gases) and environmental control systems; mechanical ventilatory support; artificial airway care; bronchopulmonary hygiene; pharmacological agents related to respiratory care procedures; basic hemodynamic cardiovascular support appropriate to ages served: primarily adults 18 – 65 or geriatric patient’s ages over 65. May also include care for infant age 0 – 1 year, child ages 1 – 12 or adolescent ages 13 – 17 years. Care is provided within an assigned unit of the hospital, in accordance with accepted clinical practices and established policies and procedures. The focus of patient and family education activities is to promote knowledge of disease process, medical therapy and self-help. Works with other disciplines to ensure a collaborative approach to the care of the patient. May have other duties assigned as required.

Responsibilities:

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
• Include, but are not limited to:
  • Airway management including nasotracheal & endotracheal suctioning;
  • Delivery of aerosolized drugs;
  • Ventilator management (i. e.. setup and operation);
  • Oral hygiene;
  • Airway retaining device placement and maintenance;
  • Airway support device management including BiPAP and CPAP devices;
  • Oxygen delivery devices and therapeutic monitoring;
  • Chest film analysis;
  • Bloodgas collection and analysis;
  • EKG analysis;
  • Accurate and complete documentation.
• Advanced practice skills may include:
  • Therapeutic gas management and monitoring, including INO and HeO2;
  • Pulmonary Function Testing;
  • Bronchoscopy assist;
  • Hemodynamic Monitoring;
  • Waveform analysis;
  • Nocturnal SpO2 evaluation (Desaturation Studies);
• Collects data and research for Manager / Director when required.
• Performs charge capture of disposables.
• Processes order requests to maintain adequate supply levels.
• Monitors par levels of supplies for consistent levels.
• Inventories supplies & disperses same.
• Transport Therapist for NICU at South campus.
• Reports all safety and quality concerns to Manager.
• Serves as liaison for department to medical staff, nursing staff and other departments.

Job Requirements:

Education/Skills

• See licensure and/or certification requirements

Experience

• 3-4 years of experience preferred

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• RT or RCP License in state of employment required
• BLS required
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by NBRC required

Position Requirements:

Education/Skills

• None

Experience

• None

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• Current ACLS certification required
• Current PALS certification required
• Current NRP certification required

In accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification and Registration Verification Policy, all Associates are required to obtain required certifications for their respective positions within the designated time frame.

Credential Grace Periods:

If additional credentials are required per the Position Requirements section, a grace period to obtain the certification will apply, dependent on your experience level.

• Any Candidate/Associate with at least one year of acute care clinical experience in a similar service line within the past three years is considered anExperienced Associate.
• Any Candidate/Associatewho doesnothave at least one year of full-time acute care clinical experience in the same service line within the past three years is considered anExperienced Associate New to the Specialty.

Work Schedule:

Varies

Work Type:

Full Time